Welcoming the little children . . . just as Jesus did.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belong.”
Matthew 19:14
A Message from our Pastor
Our Parish is getting younger! It is exciting to see so many children at Mass. Attending Mass is something children learn to do. It can be hard for children to understand why they have to sit still for an hour and they do not know what is going on. Remember that children will learn “Mass etiquette” as they watch you. Take time before or after Mass to walk through the church and point out and explain different things...the tabernacle, the baptismal font, the altar, and so on. If you attend the Sunday morning Masses, go for Coffee and Doughnuts after Mass so that the children can socialize and get to know their Parish Family. For those without children, greet the children as you do adults, express joy at having the children at Mass and above all, have patience as these children grow as children of God. They are our future and they will learn their place in our Faith Family from us!
Fr. O’Keeffe
Infants
- Babies who become fussy can often be comforted with the changing of positions or a pacifier or bottle. Only exit with the baby when he or she is inconsolable.
- Often, parents find that standing and rocking the baby at the back of the church is all it takes. In that case, wear comfortable shoes!
Older Infants
- Do not feel it necessary to remove a cooing baby. Parents are so self-conscious about this, but most often, the people around enjoy the sweet sounds of the baby!
- Perhaps try “blocking off” an area for the baby to move around in by placing the baby between Mom and Dad, or between one parent and the end of the pew.
Toddlers, Preschoolers and
Pre-First Communicants
- Choosing your seat at Mass is important. Some families find that sitting in the front so that the children can see well is best. Others find that sitting toward the back, with an easy path to the door, is the best. You know what works best with you.
- Share the hymnal with children at their eye level.
- Quietly explain to your children what is happening during the Mass.
- Encourage children to place their own money or the family’s envelope in the collection basket.
- Babies “coo” and young children chatter. Unless they are really throwing a fit, keep them in church.
- Feel free to use the cry room, located in the glassed-in area at the back of the church.
- Encourage children to extend the sign of peace to those around them.
- Snacks should be avoided. Books that they enjoy or their rosaries can be brought.
And at home. . .
- Teach your Children the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary and other prayers used regularly at Mass.
- Make prayer an important family time. Let children offer their petitions, too. Children are never too young to learn the “routine” of prayer, be it the rosary or bedtime prayers.
- Talk about the Mass at home, recalling stories told or reading the bulletin.
- Read the Bible, perhaps Sunday’s readings or another favorite story.
- Learn some hymns together and sing.
- Instill an attitude of Celebration on Sundays. Let Sundays be the days of rest, just as God intended them. Take the day to pray together and to play together!
One last note:
The most important thing is to make the church a part of your child’s life. Bring your children to Mass, for Adoration, for confession, for social gatherings. Let them know their “Home away from Home!” If you wait until they are adults it may be too late!
Adults with no Children,
You may sometimes think, “I would never allow my child to act like that!” or “Can’t those parents control their child?” But before getting upset or criticizing, consider offering support instead. These children are the future of our Parish, the future of our Catholic Faith. If they do not feel welcome at their church home, why would they want to come back? Remember, too that as you may feel unable to be spiritually nourished, during Mass while surrounded by children, their parents probably find it even more difficult.
Some ideas to be supportive:
- Express joy at having children worship with us. Send a smile their way!
- Greet children as well as adults during the sign of peace and fellowship time.
- Pass the collection basket to children.
- Be understanding when parents need to take children out and then return to Mass.
- Have patience with the learning process; we are all growing as Children of God!
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